Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary has received a $200,000 gift for the purpose of launching a new degree program, the Master of Christian Counseling. The degree, to be offered at both California campuses, will be designed to equip men and women for a Christian counseling ministry to individuals, couples, and families in a congregational, denominational agency, counseling center, or missions setting. The gift was given by Naomi and John Paget, from Bellville, TX.

Naomi Paget graduated from Golden Gate Seminary with a Master of Divinity in 1995, and a Doctor of Ministry in 2003. She was also selected as one of the Seminary’s Distinguished Alumni in June 2011. She is a Mission Service Corps missionary with the Southern Baptist Convention, and also trains chaplains and other volunteers to minister in crisis situations. Her husband, John, is the CEO of Pivot Acquisition Corp.

“We believe there is a great potential for Kingdom growth when ministers serve effectively in times of crisis…the eternal impact on lives during these times is tremendous,” said the Pagets. “The need for trained counselors is so great and we are confident that this program will help provide the trained workers needed.”

The development of this program will begin with a search for a new professor of Christian Counseling, who is projected to be in position by fall 2012. Other current Golden Gate faculty will also be assigned to the new counseling department. “Once we have appointed the new professor, we will begin the process of designing, accrediting, and delivering the program,” said Dr. Michael Martin, Vice President of Academic Affairs for Golden Gate Seminary.” He said that many of the required courses for the MACC will be available in 2012-13, and "We intend to admit students to the program in fall 2013."

Students who want to begin the program immediately may take course work in the Seminary’s existing counseling concentration as part of the Master of Divinity curriculum. They may take up to 20 hours of biblical, historical, and theological studies, and then include the counseling component hours when the Master of Christian Counseling launches.

“We are grateful for the Pagets and their generosity in helping to launch this valuable degree,” said Dr. Jeff Iorg, Seminary president. “Providing this program will enable the Seminary to provide desperately needed ministers in this critical area of Kingdom work.”